Homecoming Over the Years

                Homecoming is defined by dictionary.com as “an annual event held by a college, university, or high school for visiting alumni.” Does anyone besides me think it’s a bit ironic that Alumni aren’t even invited to go to the dance? Don’t get me wrong, they are still able to come they just have to be invited by a current student. It’ amazing how much the homecoming tradition has transformed and taken on a new meaning.

                During Spanish class the other day, we were debating what homecoming was really about. Some said it was all about the football players, and others said it was about the people and school spirit. Our teacher set us all straight. She told us that homecoming used to be nothing when she went to college. It was originally for colleges. They invited their Alumni back for a dinner, probably to try and get some money out of them. These dinners were also informal; men would maybe wear a nice shirt and a tie if they felt like. That was it. There was no dance, DJ, or perfect dresses.

                Over the years homecoming grew and developed and expanded to what it is today. At homecoming dances now, there are kings and queens (not by blood of course) and LOTS of dancing. Girls now shop for the perfect dress, sometimes taking hours and days. It also takes more time after shopping to find perfect shoes to match their perfect dress. After finding the perfect ensemble, they must wait around for the guys to ask them to be their date. The guys, of course, have to find the perfect way to ask their hopeful dates to homecoming to increase their chances of getting a yes. After all of the students have paired up, there is of course the planning of flowers, dining, and transportation before they get to the dance. When they finally get to the dance, every couple has to find the courage to go and, potentially, embarrass themselves on the dance floor. All in all homecomings is an ever-changing experience from year to year. It either gets better or worse but has changed so much from its original definition. It is now not only “an annual event held by a college, university, or high school for visiting alumni.” It is a must high school experience.